Mold is a type of fungus that can grow indoors and outdoors, and thrives in damp, dark, and humid environments. While mold is not always harmful, some types of mold can cause health problems, especially for people with allergies or asthma. If you suspect that you have mold in your home, it’s important to check for it in all the places it might be hiding.
Here are seven less common places to check for mold in your home:
1. Behind Wallpaper
If you’ve seen mold on your walls, there’s a good chance that it’s growing behind your wallpaper. Mold loves to grow in dark, damp places, and wallpaper provides the perfect environment for mold to thrive. If you suspect that mold is growing behind your wallpaper, you’ll need to remove the wallpaper and inspect the area for mold. If you find mold, you’ll need to clean it up and make sure that the area is completely dry before you replace the wallpaper.
2. Under Carpets
If you have wall-to-wall carpeting, it’s a good idea to check under it for mold. Carpet can hold moisture, which is ideal for mold growth. If you find mold, you’ll need to remove the carpet and dry out the area underneath it to prevent the mold from returning.
3. In the Crawl Space
The crawl space is another area of the home that is susceptible to mold growth. This is because the crawl space is often damp and dark, which are two ideal conditions for mold. If you notice mold in your crawl space, you will need to take action to prevent it from spreading. The first step is to identify the source of the moisture and fix it. You will also need to clean the moldy area and ensure it is properly ventilated.
4. On Windowsills
Windowsills are the perfect environment for mold to grow. The window is usually open during the day, so there is a lot of moisture in the air, and there is usually a little bit of dirt and grime on the windowsills. If you have mold on your windowsills, you should clean them with a bleach solution.
5. Underneath Sinks
Your kitchen and bathroom sinks are the perfect places for mold to grow. The moisture, heat, and lack of ventilation in these areas create the perfect breeding ground for mold. Make sure to check beneath your sinks, as well as in the cabinets, for mold. If you find mold, it may be time to call a professional to clean it up.
6. In the Attic
Mold can also grow in your attic. The most common cause of mold growth in attics is leaks from the roof. Roof leaks can allow water to seep into the attic and create an ideal environment for mold to grow. If you have a roof leak, it’s important to repair it as soon as possible to prevent mold growth.
7. Air Conditioning & Heating Ducts
The air conditioning and heating ducts in your home can also be a breeding ground for mold. The warm, humid air in the ducts can cause mold to grow on the insulation. If you notice mold in your ducts, you should have them cleaned as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Mold can grow in many places around your home, both inside and outside. While some places are more common, it’s important to check for mold in all areas of your home, visible and hidden. If you suspect mold growth, it’s important to have it professionally assessed and remediated as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your home and health.
Environmental Mold is a leading full-service mold and indoor air quality consulting firm specializing in indoor air quality inspections / consulting services and professional mold removal since its inception in 2001. We provide commercial and residential mold remediation solutions, property evaluations, and repair cost estimates, interpreting third-party protocols while managing remediation projects from start to finish. Reach out to us today at 949-333-3998 to schedule a service!